Denial doesn’t absolve guilt; it only hides it while harm spreads.
That's Not Us
They mock migrants,
call them a wave,
an invasion, a threat.
We click, and sigh,
That’s not us,
then swipe next.
They take children,
stuff them behind steel bars,
silver blanket sleepers.
We whisper, That’s not us,
but still dress in red.
They ban books,
betray the most vulnerable,
black out rainbows,
censor truth.
We insist, That’s not us,
then laugh at insensitive memes.
They call journalists enemies,
push lies with podcast poise.
We roll our eyes, That’s not us,
while spreading viral clips.
They storm the Capitol,
wave flags of grievance,
break windows and oaths.
We plead, That’s not us, privately,
but wear a similar hat publicly.
We sit in rooms
where no one needs convincing,
say That’s not us
to those who already agree.
We never say it
to the ones who need to hear it.
They blur the line
between pundit and prophet,
preacher and brand.
We say, That’s not us,
but build their platforms
with every follow,
every play,
every like.
They crown him again,
despite every warning.
And we—
we say nothing.
Because saying it
is easier
than stopping it.
What You Can Do
Denial thrives on silence. So does power. If you’ve ever said, “That’s not us,” here’s how to prove it:
- Speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable. Silence signals agreement. Don’t just nod privately—disagree out loud.
- Interrupt disinformation. When a lie gets repeated, it spreads. Challenge it, even in casual conversation.
- Support ethical journalism. Share real reporting. Pay for quality news. Trust matters.
- Vote with accountability in mind. Policies matter more than personalities. Examine records, not just rhetoric.
- Live your values publicly. If you only say “That’s not us” behind closed doors, it still is.
Further Reading
Want to dig deeper into the power of denial and complicity? Start here:
- “First They Came” by Martin Niemöller
A foundational poem on the cost of silence. USHMM official archive - “The Origins of Totalitarianism” by Hannah Arendt
A philosophical look at how apathy, fear, and denial feed authoritarianism. More about the book - “The Price of Silence in a Democracy” – The Atlantic
A modern take on why speaking out matters more than ever. Read the article
Spotlight on Denial
Not all denial looks the same. Some of it hides in plain sight:
- Performative Dissonance: Saying “That’s not us” while funding, following, or voting for it.
- Private Disgust, Public Shrug: Criticizing quietly but complying loudly.
- Passive Amplification: Sharing hateful content “just to comment on it.”
- Digital Distance: Clicking away instead of confronting what’s wrong.
